The first pupils of ‘Rosary English Medium High School, Ajara’ sauntered euphorically down the virgin corridors of the school on 19thJune 1967. Fr. Job D’silva was the Parish Priest of the Ajara Mission. He strove hard to improve the life of the common man. He strongly felt the need of education for the common man and their children. Keeping this in mind, he founded Rosary English High School at Ajara in the year 1967. Like any new venture, the school faced a number of hardships too. There were no classrooms for students to sit and learn. Fr. Job opened the doors of the Church and transformed it into an open classroom in order to educate the children. However, different people came together to help out. Finally with the support of them, funds were raised and five odd rooms were constructed. Soon there was a need of well qualified staff. Teachers from faraway places were brought in.
In 1977, the first batch of ten students appeared for the SSC Board examination. They came with flying colours. Master Joseph Bardeskar stood first at Ajara Centre. This achievement was a matter of pride for the school.
Having shared the same inspiration, Fr. Nelson Machado succeeded Fr. Job D’silva. The standard was now set. Results had slowly begun to show. There was a big rush for the admissions. The classrooms were not enough to accomodate the rising number. Naturally, Fr. Nelson took up construction of the new school building.
Mr. Udaysingh Gaikwad, the Minister of State for Industry and Rural Development laid down the foundation stone of the new building in the year 1976. Rt. Rev Valerian D’souza, Bishop of Pune who was present during the occasion, blessed the noble work. JESCON, the Jesuit Company in construction, under the guidance of Brother Thomas D’souza SJ, constructed the building. Mr. Sadhanand Varde, the Minister for Education, inaugurated the new school building in the year 1979. The people of Ajara were blessed to have the pious presence of Rt. Rev. Valerian D’souza, Bishop of Pune, Fr. Nelson Machado, Fr. Job D’silva, Fr. Charlie D’lima SJ and Fr. Prabhudar Dargo SJ.
Since its inception Rosary English School was governed and administered by Poona Diocesan Educational Society (PDES) for 10 years.
It was in 1977, that the Bishop handed over the school to the Jesuits of Goa Poona Province. Fr. Charlie D’lima SJ was the first Jesuit Principal of the School. Considering the influx of the students from the surrounding villages and parishes, boarding facility for these students was made available. This helped the poorer section of the society greatly. At the same the sisters of Holy family convent started boarding for the girls. Rosary became the powerful catalyst to bring about empowerment of this section of society. The southern, backward and neglected part of Kolhapurdistrict could now afford a quality English education. That was the beginning of Boys’ and girls’ boarding.
Keeping with the rich positive experiences of the past, Fr. Franklin Dsouza SJ took charge as Superior of the Ajara Mission. He himself was a good disciplinarian. This reflected in the administration of the school. Fr. Franklin took over as Principal of the school in 1998. The record of cent percent passing percentage of the SSC students set by the school then is unaffected till date. A dedicated and committed teaching as well as non-teaching staff contributed to the growth and progress of the school and its students.
By then Rosary had set itself as one of the topmost schools in Ajara taluka. The Jesuits administered and governed the school till 2017. R.E.H.S celebrated its Golden Jubilee in the same year. The people of Ajara remain indebted to the Jesuits of Goa-Pune Province for their committed and dedicated services rendered to the school for four decades. At the same time they remain grateful to all the teaching and non-teaching staff, ex- students, parents, well-wishers and benefactors for their contribution during the last 50 years.
Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI bifurcated the Diocese of Poona in the year 2005 and the Diocese of Sindhudurg was founded on 5th July 2005.The Pope appointed Bishop Alwyn Barreto as the first Bishop of the new Diocese. The three districts namely Sindhudurg, Kolhapur & Ratnagiri became part of the diocese of Sindhudurg.
The Diocese of Sindhudurg formed ‘The Sindhudurg Diocesan Educational Trust (SDET)’ in the year 2010. All the schools from these districts that belonged to the Poona Diocesan Educational Society (PDES) were transferred to SDET. In 2017 SDET took over Rosary English School, Ajara from the Jesuits. Fr. Felix Lobo was appointed as the first Principal of the school. Since he took over as principal, he has left no stone unturned to shape the institution from all angles.
It has been 53 years since Rosary English School has been imparting education. Within this span of time, it has managed to make an excellent contribution in transforming the lives of hundreds of its students. The school is well known for instilling discipline, values and ability to strive for success among its students.
Today the alumni of this school serves society in different fields. They have passed out with flying colours and have added this hue and colour to society. Many students are holding important positions in the armed forces and various administrative departments of the government. Large numbers of them are pioneers of several educational, social and medical institutions. Sense of confidence instilled by Rosary English School has inspired these students to try their entrepreneurial skills in various business ventures too. In a sense, they have continued to live up to their school motto, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.
